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Effective cross-functional collaboration stands as a pivotal trend shaping contemporary business outcomes. Realizing the full potential of collaborative teamwork demands meticulous preparation, the alignment of shared objectives, and the guidance of skilled leadership to reinforce desired organizational behaviors and objectives. While the advantages of cross-functional collaboration are widely acknowledged, the implementation of this approach requires more than mere immediacy; it necessitates a deliberate shift in organizational mindset beyond joint projects. Achieving successful collaboration between teams necessitates a disciplined and strategic effort focused on people development, underpinned by leadership advocacy and unwavering commitment (Henson, 2023).
Expanding your organization’s mindset so that cross functional teams have contact and influence from initial development, marketing, and communication both internally and externally is seen as a necessary step for organizations. The emphasis is on preparation and recognizing that cross-functional teammates bring different skills, jargon, and viewpoints, and strong communication and agreed upon goals are important to prevent miscommunications which can become breeding grounds for conflict. These conflicts can not only slow down projects but can have a negative impact on employee well-being (Piaggi, 2023).
Companies need to be proactive in training their employees to work effectively in cross-functional teams and to work to provide a psychologically safe environment to help build and promote trust and open communication. They also need to promote both individual and group development programs to provide the skills needed to make collaboration successful.
Cross-functional teams can also help address the shortage of skilled employees within the hospitality industry by encouraging collaboration and skill sharing, promoting efficiency and flexibility, promoting the development of new roles within the organization, helping to promote the development and adoption of new technology and bringing diverse perspectives that can encourage innovation and creative problem solving. Additionally cross-functional teams can participate in both group and individual training and upskilling and add to the development opportunities available to current and potential employees.
Key Takeaways
- Effective cross functional leadership requires a disciplined plan focused on people development and leadership advocacy.
- Cross functional teams need shared objectives and KPI’s.
- Cross functional teamwork requires training in collaboration and teamwork for both individuals and the group.
- Cross functional teams bring diverse perspectives that encourage innovation and creative problem solving.
Additional Resources:
Taking Commercial Strategy To The Next Level: This report and accompanying Commercial Effectiveness Organizational Effectiveness Assessment was created by the HSMAI Commercial Strategy Workgroup. HSMAI’s Commercial Effectiveness Organizational Assessment allows a hotel organization (individual hotel, management company, ownership group, or brand) to assess and score their implementation of the 11 key drivers of commercial excellence.
To read more about the top talent trends, including case studies of this trend, download the HSMAI Foundation Special Report: The State of Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization Talent 2023-2024.